Yellowstone National Park cowboy dinner, trail ride, and wagon ride

Yellowstone National Park offers a variety of unique experiences, and one of the most popular among visitors is the cowboy dinner, trail ride, and wagon ride. This experience in the northeast corner of the park allows guests to immerse themselves in the spirit of the American West and explore the park in a way that's both memorable and fun. I did this in 2021 with my 2 sons and we all agreed this was truly one of best experiences of the entire vacation, and still stands out over the years.

The event is held in the late afternoon. You can either ride a horse on the trail, or take the covered wagon. Either way. the evening begins with a trail ride through the stunning landscapes of Yellowstone.

Horse ride to the cowboy dinner

Horse ride guests saddle up on horseback and follow experienced guides through the park's rugged terrain, taking in views of towering mountains, lush valleys, and bubbling hot springs along the way. The trail ride lasts (there are 2 options of different lengths) for about an hour and a half and is suitable for riders of all skill levels.

To ride a horse a person must be at least 8 years old, 48 inches tall and weigh under 240 lbs, and understand English. Ages 8-17 must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or over.

There are 2 rides, a 2 hour or a 1-hour version.

One-Hour Ride
The one-hour ride goes through sagebrush flats (following the trail used for the regular one-hour horse ride) to the cookout site. The return ride is direct and takes about 30 minutes.

Two-Hour Ride
The 2-hour rides goes through woods, sagebrush flats, and meadows (following the trail used for the regular 2 hour horse ride) to the cookout site. The return ride is direct and takes about 30 minutes.

Wagon ride to the cowboy dinner

The wagon ride is in a replica stage coach, if riding a horse isn't your thing (but these horses are gentle, sweet and very well trained). You still get an authentic wagon ride experience!  The ride takes 30 to 45 minutes and goes through sagebrush flats (following the same road used for the stagecoach rides) to the cookout site. The wagons are canvas-covered with padded bench seats; each wagon is drawn by two horses.

Children 2 and under are free if they share from adult’s plate and ride on a lap. Child rate applies for children 3 – 11 years who will have their own plate. Any minor (under 18) must be accompanied by an adult (over 18

Cowboy Dinner

After the trail or wagon ride, guests return to the campsite, where they're greeted with the aroma of a delicious cowboy dinner being prepared over an open flame. The dinner typically includes hearty fare such as grilled steak, roasted chicken, baked beans, cornbread, and homemade pie for dessert. Guests are invited to sit down at long communal tables and enjoy a feast of authentic Western cuisine while sharing stories and laughter with their fellow travelers.

Following dinner, guests can take a relaxing wagon ride through the park's beautiful landscapes, taking in the sights and sounds of the evening in Yellowstone. The wagon ride lasts for about an hour and provides a unique perspective on the park's natural wonders. Guests can watch the sunset over the mountains and listen to the sounds of wildlife as they wind their way back to the campsite.

Overall, the Yellowstone National Park cowboy dinner, trail ride, and wagon ride is a unique and unforgettable experience that offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the American West. Whether you're a seasoned horseback rider or a first-time visitor to the park, this experience is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Yellowstone.

More details about the trail ride, wagon ride, and cowboy dinner

The rides do get canceled if there is the threat of thunderstorms or rain.

What's on the Old West Cookout Menu?

Whether you get there by horseback or wagon, everyone gets a cowboy dinner! Cowboys weren't vegans, but vegetarian meals can be accommodated with advance notice!

• Steak (12 oz. serving for adults, 6 oz. for children)
• Sides: Coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, chuck wagon corn, corn muffins, watermelon, fruit crisp, and assorted beverages.

Current prices and details

See this page on the NPS Yellowstone Trail ride and Cowboy Dinner website for all the current details.

Here's a snapshot for 2023:

	Dates	Days	Check- In	Adults	Child
2 hour Horse back	June 3, 2023 - Aug 7, 2023	Daily	3:30 pm	$135	$120 (8 -11)
	Aug 8, 2023 - Sept 4, 2023	Daily	2:30 pm	$135	$120 (8 -11)
1 hour Horse back	June 3, 2023 - Aug 7, 2023	Daily	4:15 pm	$110	$95 (8 -11)
	Aug 8, 2023 - Sept 4, 2023	Daily	3:15 pm	$110	$95 (8 -11)
Wagon	June 3, 2023 - Aug 7, 2023	Daily	4:45 pm	$80	$62 (3 -11)
	Aug 8, 2023 - Sept 4, 2023	Daily	3:45 pm	$80	$62 (3 -11)
	Sept 5, 2023 - Sept 10, 2023	Daily	2:45 pm	$80	$62 (3 -11)

Seasons, bugs, topography and climate

Located in the Rockies and at the edge of the plains, Wyoming has both landscapes. In the summer, it tends to be semi-arid, hot during day and cool at night. Winters can be brutally cold. Many roads are closed or impassible in the winter. Bugs are thankfully few!

Camping tips

First, get reservations ASAP. They usually fill up weeks in advance. And while there are a few last minute cancellations, those go instantly. Prices are about $30 a night; $21 if you have the national park pass.

If you're not from the Rockies, you may not realize that even in the middle of July, the air gets cool at night when you are a mile high, like in Yellowstone and the Tetons, and much of western Wyoming. It will dip to the 50's or 60's most summer nights. Summers tend to be dry with occasional popup evening thunderstorms.

Yellowstone... well camping or lodging in Yellowstone is a topic unto itself. After COVID, the rangers went on a spree shutting as much down as they could. You have to realize that many of them are idealists who think they should shut the park down to visitors as much as possible... which is the opposite of President Roosevelt's vision.

In any case, they even turned off all the showers in all of the campgrounds in the park. The bathrooms remain open, toilets, sinks, etc. But no working showers. Still closed at the end of the 2021 season. Which means, if you are tent camping, you will need a battery operated pump and popup shower tent. And here are the best ones available for the price! They work great! I've used them in Yellowstone!

Campgrounds in attractions, parks and destinations for roadtripping and camping!

Yellowstone offers 12 campgrounds with over 2,000 sites. Yellowstone National Park Lodges takes reservations for five of these campgrounds. Not all of these campgrounds have laundry or showers (and none have showers working in 2021). Madison is the most central location.

• Bridge Bay Campground
• Canyon Campground
• Fishing Bridge RV Park
• Grant Village Campground
• Madison Campground

The National Park Service manages the other seven campgrounds. Beginning in 2021, reservations for three of the campground managed by the National Park Service can be done through Recreation.gov.

• Mammoth Campground (Reservable)
• Norris Campground (Closed for 2021)
• Slough Creek Campground (Reservable)
• Pebble Creek Campground (Sites 1-16 Reservable)
• Tower Fall Campground (Closed for 2021)
• Indian Creek Campground
• Lewis Lake Campground

Additionally, Yellowstone offers backcountry campsites for people who prefer to explore and camp along less traveled routes.

Campground Details

Table of campgrounds with reservable sites through Yellowstone National Park Lodges.

Camp ground	Typ Dates	Nightly Fee	Sites	Amenities
Bridge Bay	6/11– 9/6	$27	432	A,B,F, NS,D, Gn,Gs
Canyon	5/21– 9/19	$32	273	A,B,F, S/L**, 2S**, D,Gn
Fishing Bridge RV Park			346	A,F,H, S/L**, 2S**, D,Gn
Grant Village	6/18– 9/12	$32	430	A,B,F, S/L**, 2S**, D,Gn, Gs
Madison	5/14–  10/17	$27	278	A,B,F, NS,D, Gn, Gs

* - Listed fee does not include taxes or utility fees
A - Accessible sites available
B - Limited number of campsites set aside for bicyclists and hikers; check availability at campground
F - Flush toilets
D - Dump station (may close when temperatures are below freezing)
Gn - Generators allowed from 8 am to 8pm (60db limit)
Gs - Group site available (reservation required)
H - Full hookups
NS - Showers not included
S/L - Pay showers/laundry onsite
2S - Two showers included each night

Table of campgrounds managed by the National Park with reservable sites through Recreation.gov.

Camp ground	Typ Dates	Nightly Fee	Sites	Options	RV Info **
Mammoth	all yr	$25	85	A, B, F, Gn	30' (9.1 m) winter limit§
Norris			111	A, B, F, Gn	2 @ 50' (15.2 m) and 5 @ 30' (9.1 m)
Pebble Creek (Sites 1– 16)	6/15– 9/27	$20	16	A, B, V	Some long pull- thrus
Slough Creek	6/15– 10/12	$20	16	A,V	14 @ 30' (9.1 m) / Walk thru first to assess

** - Sizes are for total length of vehicle and towed equipment
¹ - Reservation-only 5/1–10/15
^§ - mid-October through April
A - Accessible sites available
B - Limited number of campsites set aside for bicyclists and hikers; check availability at campground
F - Flush toilets
Gn - Generators allowed from 8 am to 8pm (60db limit)
V - Vault toilet

Table of campgrounds managed by the National Park that will be first-come, first-served in 2021.

Camp ground	Typ Dates	Nightly Fee	Sites	Opt	RV Info **
Indian Creek	6/11– 9/13	$20	70	A, B, V	10 @ 35' (10.7 m) and 35 @ 30' (9.1 m)
Lewis Lake	6/15– 11/1	$20	84	B, V	25' (7.6 m) or less
Pebble Creek (Sites 17–27)	6/15– 9/27	$20	11	A, B, V	Some long pull- thrus
Tower Fall			31	B, V	30' (9.1 m) or less / Loop has hairpin curve

** - Sizes are for total length of vehicle and towed equipment
A - Accessible sites available
B - Limited number of campsites set aside for bicyclists and hikers; check availability at campground
V - Vault toilet

In nearby Cody, WY, an excellent campground is Ponderosa campground, and reservations are not needed for tent camping there!

There are both state parks and private campgrounds.